ACHIEVEMENTS: DeLoach earned the Savannah Morning News’ Girls Track Athlete of the Year award last season and literally and figuratively was the runaway choice this year. She won the 100- and 200-meter sprints and the long jump at the Class AA state meet in Albany, becoming the first St. Vincent’s athlete to win a track event at state. “I think I was surprised at myself,” DeLoach said. “To get three (first-place finishes) was a big accomplishment.” During the season, DeLoach turned in a long jump of 20 feet, 1 inch — the longest leap for a female prep athlete in Georgia and fifth longest in the country. She set personal bests in the 100 with a 12.16 at region and in the 200 with a 24.68 at state. Last summer, she placed first in the long jump with a 19-3 at the AAU Nationals in Orlando, Fla.

WHAT’S NEXT: DeLoach, just a sophomore, still has plenty of time to contemplate the future. She said she has already drawn interest from Kansas, Notre Dame, Navy, North Carolina State, Middle Tennessee State and Virginia. But her focus remains finishing on top in high school. Her favorite event is the long jump. “I don’t want anyone to jump farther than me,” she said.

INTERESTS: DeLoach admits she can’t get enough of crime shows on television and says forensic science might be something she’d like to pursue in college. She’s plays forward on the St. Vincent’s basketball team and maintains about a 3.8 grade-point average at school. She likes running on the beach and enjoys shopping.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING …

DELOACH ON DELOACH: “I’m a very hard-working girl. I’m motivated and have passion and I like what I’m doing. I want to improve and I’m not satisfied. At the track, people will say, ‘Where’s that DeLoach girl?’ I know some people are looking up to me, so it’s important to be a good example.”

SVA COACH DONNA ANTONUCCI ON DELOACH: “Taylor is so physically and athletically gifted, it’s an honor just to coach her. She has the heart of a champion. She sets goals and then exceeds them. Her focus is so clear and spirit so pure. The state meet was (two weeks ago), but I’m still on Cloud 9. I truly believe the kid will go to the Olympics one day.”